A WALKTHROUGH OF DAVAO CITY
Being
at the heart of Davao City has a lot of advantages. Logistics made easy and movement is not
restricted. There could be as many destinations covered for a limited number of
days.
Because
itinerary is unplanned, we just go where our friend who lives in the city, would lead us. Olan, serving as our instant tour guide.
Across
the Marco Polo Hotel is the Aldevinco
Shopping Center. Even before the big shopping centers in the city were
built, there was Aldevinco. It has
become a landmark and a popular to-go-to place for souvenir finds and cheap
bargains, and continues to be known even at present. We bought our souvenirs at the said shopping
center and even fruits are likewise available (durian or pomelo).
A
walking distance from the shopping center is the talked about strip where the Roxas Night Market is situated. Days before we arrived, a bombing incident
took place in the said area. At the very
site where the incident took place, candles were lit and wreath of flowers offered
for those who died on the tragedy.
Security measures were tightened at the said area. All passers-by and patrons are being
subjected to inspection.
It
was business as usual. On my first night
in Davao City, taking the last flight for the day from Manila, we were fortunate
to have been able to catch one of the stalls open offering a variety of street
food finds. We came back during our last
night as well and roam around the vicinity.
Stalls offering cheap merchandise of all sort and massage services are common finds in this night market. For curiosity, I tried the durian ice cream on a cone, which is a
popular treat on the sidewalks of Roxas Street. The taste of sweetness is just too much for me, maybe a sample or a bite
size should do.
To
kill time, we passed by the People’s
Park in the city center which is popular for its sculptures of indigenous
people and the dancing fountain.
Described as one the greenest and cleanest public parks in the
Philippines, it is covered with lush vegetation covering more than 1,000
species of plants all over the world.
The
San Pedro Cathedral is one landmark
in Davao City center every visitor should not miss. It becomes the focal point of varied parks
and old buildings that stood witness to the history of the city. The church façade is even more picturesque
during the blue hour.
Across
the church is the city’s Legislative
Building with the imposing Commemorative Monument of Peace and Unity as its
forefront.
The
Quezon, Osmena and Rizal Park also has its distinct features which are worthy
of visit. The said parks surround the
City Hall and the San Pedro Cathedral.
Icons
associated with Davao City – durian, orchid and Mt. Apo – are subjects of
sculptures displayed at the front of the City Hall in a park named Quezon.
Next
to the Quezon Park is the Rizal Park
where a stage is built to hold concerts and other important activities in the
city including live entertainment of bands, which we have witnessed that day.
A
noticeable marker which declares “Early Davao Settlement” greets visitors
entering the Osmena Park. Our friend
Olan, serving as our guide, provided more historic information of the Plaza. The stroll becomes an instant
cultural heritage appreciation tour akin to a history class field trip.
Situated at the corner of C.M. Recto Avenue
and San Pedro Street, there are old traditional houses that surround, museums
and old buildings that date back from centuries and still stood and
well-maintained even at present.
Another
historical destination which appears like an ordinary dining restaurant but a
good vantage for the city night lights is the Jack’s Ridge. The land on which the Jack’s Ridge now stand once
formed part of the headquarters of the retreating Japanese forces towards the
end of World War II. The fresh air and
the city lights were such a good combination for rest and relaxation uphill.
And
for our final destination is the Baywalk
and the Statue of David. It was
night time and honestly I could not see any sight worthy of capture and
remarkable for this destination. I was
able to see the Mermaid sculpture from a distance at the Baywalk but my camera
could not capture low lights. The
Baywalk area lacks working lamp posts and proper illumination. The area stirred by controversy (which I only
learned afterwards) might be a good place to visit during day time. The replica of Michelangelo’s Statue of David
illuminated by yellow lights is the highlight for a visit at the Baywalk. Out of curiosity, I’m still glad we passed by
this landmark.
Davao
City is indeed interesting. It is not
only the hometown of the current President of the Philippines, but it can also
be a promising tourist destination even for just a weekend (like what we
did). It can likewise be a gateway to
more explorations in Mindanao.
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